Integrated filtration and detection device

ABSTRACT

An integrated filtration and detection device for collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen includes a container defining a chamber therein. The container has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. A filter is mounted in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet. A sensor is mounted in the chamber. The sensor is operative to exhibit a change in a measurable property thereof upon exposure to changes in the chamber due to microbial growth.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. Divisional Patent Application of U.S. Ser. No. 10/084,578 filed on Feb. 27, 2002, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,608 on Sep. 28, 2010, and which claimed the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/272,233, filed Feb. 28, 2001, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to detection devices, and, more particularly, to devices for detecting microbial growth in a specimen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is often desirable or necessary to test fluid samples, such as liquid specimens, for contamination by live microorganisms. The presence of microbial contamination in clinical specimens is conventionally determined by culturing the specimens in the presence of nutrients and detecting microbial activity through changes in the specimen or the atmosphere over the specimen after a period of time.

It is often desirable to be able to test a specimen having a relatively large volume. Furthermore, it may be advantageous to increase the concentration of microorganisms in the specimen undergoing analysis so that changes in the specimen or adjacent atmosphere are intensified and thereby more easily and accurately detectable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, an integrated filtration and detection device for collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen includes a container defining a chamber therein. The container has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. A filter is mounted in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet. A sensor is mounted in the chamber. The sensor is operative to exhibit a change in a measurable property thereof upon exposure to changes in the chamber due to microbial growth.

According to certain method embodiments of the present invention, a method for collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen includes providing an integrated filtration and detection device. The integrated filtration and detection device includes a container defining a chamber therein and having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. A filter is mounted in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet. A sensor is mounted in the chamber and is operative to exhibit a change in a measurable property thereof upon exposure to changes in the chamber due to microbial growth. The specimen is passed into the chamber through the inlet, through the filter and out of the chamber through the outlet to collect the microorganisms on the filter. The measurable property of the sensor is detected.

Objects of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an integrated filtration and detection device according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. 1, illustrated with an associated specimen supply, an associated waste receptacle and an associated pump according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the device, waste receptacle and pump of FIG. 3, illustrated with an associated wash fluid supply according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side-elevational view of the device of FIG. 1, illustrated with an associated culturing medium supply according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side-elevational view of a sample assembly including the device of FIG. 1, along with an associated length of tubing and a clamp, wherein the device contains the culturing medium according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a measuring apparatus and the sample assembly of FIG. 6 mounted therein;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram representing a method of collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen according to embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an integrated filtration and detection device according to further embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, layers, components or regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

The devices and methods of the present invention may be used to detect the presence of microorganisms in clinical specimens, such as blood or other body fluids, and in non-clinical specimens such as food, juices, cosmetics, shampoos, pharmaceuticals or consumer products, by culturing the specimens with a growth or culturing medium in a container of a device according to the invention. The specimen may be filtered through a filter disposed in the container to capture a sample including microorganisms from the specimen. The presence and the identification of microorganisms may be determined by, for example, detecting or measuring changes in the pH of the specimen or the production of CO₂ within the specimen using a sensor disposed in the container. Thus, the devices and methods may provide a non-invasive means for detecting the presence of microorganisms in specimens by measuring an increase in metabolic byproducts produced by the microorganisms (directly or indirectly). Moreover, the culturing medium and the filter may be sterilized and maintained sterile. Further, the container may be effectively sealed and the integrity of the seal maintained during the evaluation process.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an integrated filtration and detection device according to the present invention is shown therein and generally designated by reference number 100. The device 100 may be used to filter a sample of microorganisms from a volume of a specimen selected for analysis and also to detect the growth of the microorganisms without directly handling the filter or exposing the filter, the specimen or the sample to contamination. Furthermore, the device 100 is adapted for convenient and effective use with electronic and automated measuring apparatus reducing labor costs and the risk of inadvertent process-induced contamination. The device 100 may be sealable and sterilizable. Moreover, the device 100 may be disposable after a single use.

Turning to the construction of the device 100 in more detail, the device 100 includes a container 110. The container 110 may be formed of an economic or inexpensive material. Preferably, the container 110 is formed of a material which may be effectively sterilized and sealed using conventional means. More preferably, the container 110 is formed of polycarbonate or other plastic.

The container defines an interior chamber 112 and has first and second opposed ends 110A and 110B. A fitting 115 extends outwardly between the ends 110A, 110B and defines an inlet 116, which fluidly communicates with the chamber 112. A fitting 117 extends downwardly from the end 110A and defines an outlet 118, which fluidly communicates with the chamber 112. The container 110 includes an end wall 114 on the end 110B. Preferably, at least the end wall 114 of the container 110 is translucent or transparent. Optionally (not shown), the container 110 may be further provided with a vent port communicating with the chamber 112. Preferably, the chamber 112 has a volume of between about 10 milliliters and 1 liter.

A sensor 120 is secured to the end wall 114 such that a surface 122 of the sensor 120 (FIG. 2) is in fluid communication with the chamber 112. The sensor 120 may be any suitable sensor for detecting or indicating a change in the chamber 112 caused by microbial growth. Suitable sensors and methods and materials for forming the same are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,856,175 to Thorpe et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,769 to DiGuiseppi et al., the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The following sensors may be advantageously employed, but are not exhaustive or exclusive of the types of sensors which may be used in the invention.

As discussed below, a culturing medium may be added to the specimen. The culturing medium may be specially formulated to enhance the production of certain microbial metabolic products. These microbial metabolic products may be detected by the sensor 120. The sensor 120 may comprise a solid composition or membrane (also referred to hereinbelow as an attachment or support medium), with an indicator medium immobilized on or within it. Suitable sensors for use as the sensor 120, in various forms, include: a) a suspension of a solid particulate indicator medium immobilized within an immiscible fluid; b) a suspension of a solid particulate indicator medium immobilized within a polymer that is then cured; c) a suspension of a liquid indicator medium impregnated or coated onto a solid support and immobilized within an immiscible fluid; d) a suspension of a liquid indicator medium impregnated or coated onto a solid support and immobilized within a polymer that is then cured; e) an emulsion of a liquid indicator medium in an immiscible fluid; f) an emulsion of a liquid indicator medium in a polymer that is then cured; and g) a membrane and an indicator medium, the indicator medium being selected for its ability to exhibit a detectable change when exposed to byproducts of an organism's metabolic activity.

The sensor 120 is preferably located flush against the inside surface of the container 110. Preferably, the end wall 114 is transparent or translucent such that the indicator medium is visible from outside. The sensor 120 may be affixed to the container 110 to prevent cells, proteins, other solids or other opaque or colored components from getting between it and the container surface. In certain embodiments, the sensor 120 is separated from the specimen and its growth medium by a membrane, a viscous layer, or a solid layer that permits the passage of gas molecules but prevents passage of ions.

The nutritional components that make up a complex microbial medium influence the metabolic pathways used by microorganisms. Organic acids, bases and various gases are produced in proportions dependent on the nutrients available. These products also vary from species to species of microorganism. The presence of these products in the liquid medium can change its pH. The sensor 120 used in the invention may contain pH sensitive indicators that give a measurable change in response to a pH change in the environment. In the embodiment in which the pH sensor is covered by a gas-permeable, ion-impermeable membrane, the presence of gases that affect the pH of the indicator, such as CO₂ or ammonia, may be measured. Thus, microbial growth can be detected either by changes in pH of the liquid culture medium or by measurement of gases dissolved in the medium, both indications being caused by metabolic gaseous products produced by microorganisms. Carbon dioxide is a universal metabolite produced by all organisms and, therefore, is the preferred metabolite for detection of microbial growth.

CO₂ and pH sensors as used for the sensor 120 may share two common components, a molecular species useful as a pH indicator and an attachment/support medium. The pH indicator can be attached either covalently or non-covalently to the support medium. Alternatively, the indicator can be encapsulated within a polymer matrix such as an indicator solution being emulsified within a polymer matrix prior to curing, or particles of solid indicator being suspended within a polymer matrix, which is then cured.

Also, the indicator can be attached to the solid support medium, for example, by soaking or impregnating the support medium with an indicator solution and then drying it. The support medium may be a membrane such as a nylon membrane. The dried, impregnated support medium can then be reduced to a fine powder, if needed, and blended with an immiscible fluid, such as polymer or a viscous fluid, forming a suspension sensor. In certain embodiments, the polymer can be cured. In other embodiments, a suspension sensor can be made by combining a solid indicator in particulate or granular-type form with an immiscible fluid, again, such as polymer, and then curing if needed.

To perform as a CO₂ sensor, the sensor 120 must be able to react with the byproducts of the microorganisms. The CO₂ sensor has a third component, a semi-permeable substance that completely separates the indicator membrane from the specimen and growth medium. The semi-permeable layer may be a separate membrane, alternatively, the cured polymer adjacent to the specimen and growth medium may form an integral semi-permeable membrane. These sensors may be affixed to the container 110 with an appropriate adhesive or as an indicator emulsified within a polymer matrix cured in situ.

A variety of different fluorescent and visible pH indicators can be used as the active molecular species in pH or CO₂ sensors. They should have acceptable dynamic pH ranges and wavelength changes that are readily detectable by front surface fluorescence or reflectance technologies.

Preferably, sensors for detecting pH changes in the culture medium according to the invention exhibit a change in measurable properties such as fluorescence intensity or visible color at least over a pH range of about 5.0 to about 8.0. Preferably, indicators for the CO₂ sensors exhibit a change in measurable properties such as fluorescence intensity or visible color at least between about pH 13 and about 5, and more preferably between about pH 13 to about 9, in order to detect changes in CO₂ concentration.

Preferably, the pH indicators belong to the xanthene, phenolphthalein and phenolsulfonphthalein groups. Examples of these include fluorescein, coumarin, phenolphthalein, thymolphthalein, bromothymol blue, thymol blue, xylenol blue and α-naphthol benzein.

The attachment/support medium can be a substance such as cellulose, to which a pH indicator can be covalently attached using organic reactions. Non-covalent attachment of pH indicators can be achieved using ionic support materials, such as nylon membranes that have a positive or negative zeta potential. Other ionic support materials that can be used are positive or negatively charged ionic resins, such as diethylamino ethyl (DEAE) resin or DEAE cellulose. Pretreatment of the support material with a protein may be required if the indicator membrane is to be in direct contact with the microbial growth medium.

The pH indicator sensors directly detect pH changes due to the pH environment of the microbial growth medium. However, these sensors 120 can be made to selectively react to gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, ammonia) in the liquid growth medium by covering them with a selectively semi-permeable composition or membrane, such as silicone, latex, teflon, or various plastics characterized by the capacity to selectively permit the diffusion of a gas while preventing the passage of ions. For sensors 120 comprising indicator encapsulated within a polymer matrix, such as emulsion or suspension sensors, the polymer forming the matrix can act as the semi-permeable barrier that permits the passage of gases but not ions.

In the emulsion sensor embodiments of encapsulated indicator, the CO₂ sensor is preferably comprised of four components. The first component is a visual or fluorescent pH indicator, which is preferably reactive at least at the pH range between 6 and 10. Examples of indicators meeting these criteria are bromothymol blue, thymol blue, xylenol blue, phenolphthalein, coumarin, and fluorescein. The second component is sodium hydroxide or an equivalent base, which maintains an optimal pH environment for detection of CO₂ by the selected pH indicator. The third component is glycerol or an equivalent emulsifier, which can produce droplets of indicator solution emulsified within the uncured polymer. The fourth component is the uncured polymer such as silicone, which maintains a proper environment for the indicator. Any polymer can be used that does not affect the chemical activity of the indicator, either from its own chemical or physical properties or its requirements for curing, as long as it is permeable to gases but not ions, and does not have these properties altered when subjected to sterilization. Other silicone polymers that are also satisfactory are those that are cured by high temperature, by catalytic activity, or by ultraviolet vulcanization. An emulsion is prepared from the four components and the polymer is cured to form a semipermeable matrix around the droplets of pH indicator, which permits selective diffusion of CO₂ and other gases from the liquid microbial growth medium, resulting in a measurable change in the indicator. The sensor can be prepared separately, such as in a mold, cured, and then attached to the container 110 with an appropriate adhesive, such as a silicone adhesive. Alternatively, and preferably, the sensor 120 is formed on the end wall 114 of the container 110 and cured in situ.

Similarly, the CO₂ sensor can be manufactured as a suspension, incorporating many of the same elements as above. Generally, a suspension is defined as a system in which very small particles are more or less uniformly dispersed in a liquid medium. If the particles are small enough to pass through filter membranes, the system is a colloidal suspension. If the particles are larger than colloidal dimensions they tend to precipitate, if heavier than the suspending medium, and to agglomerate and rise to the surface, if lighter. (Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, edited by N. Sax and R. Lewis, Sr., 11th edition, 1987, N.Y., N.Y.)

A granular or particulate-type of indicator medium can be blended or mixed with a suitable immiscible fluid, whereby the result is a suspension of the solid indicator medium in the fluid. If a polymer is used as the fluid, it can be cured after forming the suspension to produce a solid suspension sensor.

By adding a support medium to an indicator solution, another type of suspension sensor can be produced. In this embodiment, the indicator medium is a solution, such as a suitable soluble indicator medium dissolved in a NaOH solution, which is attached to a solid support medium, for example, by impregnating or coating the solid support medium. The indicator solid support medium is then dried, and can be reduced to a fine powder, for example by cutting or grinding, or used as is. The impregnated or coated support is blended with an immiscible liquid, such as a polymer, as above, forming a suspension. The suspension sensor can be used in the same way as the emulsion sensor above. As with the emulsion sensor, when the suspension sensor involves the use of a polymer that may need to be cured, it is preferable to form the suspension sensor directly in the container 110 and then cure it in situ. If so desired, a semi-permeable material may be placed over the suspension sensor to separate the sensor from the liquid or solid contents of the container. For example, an overlay (not shown) of a semi-permeable polymer or immiscible liquid may be placed over the suspension sensor. Preferably, the overlay reflects light that passes through the sensor 120 and also protects the sensor 120 from direct contact with the liquid or solid contents of the container.

An exemplary sensor 120 may be formed of xylenol blue, NaOH, borate buffer and Triton X-100.

As a further alternative, the sensor 120 may be an O₂ sensitive fluorescent sensor. As microbes in the chamber 112 grow, they consume O₂ thereby reducing the amount of O₂ at the sensor 120. The fluorescence of the sensor, which is quenched by O₂, increases as the O₂ concentration decreases. Microbial growth can thereby be detected by the increase in fluorescence. For example, the sensor 120 may be a sensor as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,517 to Gentle et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,598 to Stitt et al.

Another type of sensor that may be used for the sensor 120 includes a piezoelectric apparatus (not shown), such as a piezoelectric strip, that is attached to the container 110. The signal from the piezoelectric apparatus can be automatically zeroed when the container 110 and its contents reach a given or selected temperature (e.g., an incubation temperature). The piezoelectric apparatus can be constructed and/or mounted such that it is distorted by the pressure of the metabolic products produced by microorganisms. The electrical signals generated from this distortion can be measured to monitor the biological activity inside the container 110.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a collection filter 130 is mounted adjacent the end 110A of the container 100 and between the inlet 116 and the outlet 118. In certain embodiments, the filter 130 is constructed and mounted such that substantially all fluid passing from the inlet 116 to the outlet 118 passes through the filter 130. As shown, the filter 130 is adapted to collect all or a substantial portion of potential or anticipated microorganisms from a specimen while allowing the carrier fluid of the specimen to pass through the filter 130. In FIG. 1, the filter extends across the entire cross-sectional area of the chamber. Preferably, the filter 130 is a microporous filter configured to capture microorganisms therein while passing soluble components of the specimen, wash fluid or culturing medium. The microporous filter may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic. Preferably, the pores of the microporous filter are no larger than 0.4 micron, and, more preferably, are between about 0.2 and 0.4 micron. Suitable filter membranes for the filter 130 include product no. GSWP 0500 (hydrophilic, cellulose-based, for aqueous solutions) and product no. FGCP 04700 (hydrophobic, Teflon™-based, for solvent solutions), each available from Millipore Corporation of Bedford, Mass.

With reference to FIGS. 3-7 and the flow chart of FIG. 8, the device 100 may be used in the following manner to filter and detect the growth of microorganisms from a specimen. Initially, the device 100 (including the filter 130 and the sensor 120) as well as the tubing 142, 152, 162 and 172 described below may be sterilized, for example, using an autoclave, chemical disinfectant or radiation. As shown in FIG. 3, a supply 140 of the fluid (typically liquid) specimen is connected to the fitting 115 of the device 100 by suitable tubing 142. The specimen may be, for example but not limited to, potable water, beverage or food products, pharmaceuticals and their production intermediates, or parenteral fluids.

With further reference to FIG. 3, a waste receptacle 150 is connected to the fitting 117 by suitable tubing 152. The waste receptacle 150 is in turn operatively connected to a fluid flow source such as a vacuum source 154 which may be a pump. Alternatively, a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) may be provided at the tubing 142. Other flow sources may also be used. For example, the specimen may be gravity fed. The vacuum source 154 is operated to create a vacuum at the inlet 116 (FIG. 2) of the device 100. The specimen is thereby drawn, sequentially, from the supply 140, through the tubing 142, through the inlet 116, through the filter 130, through the outlet 118 (FIG. 2), through the tubing 152 and into the waste receptacle 150 (Block 192 of FIG. 8). As the specimen passes through the filter 130, microorganisms (if present) in the specimen are collected on the filter 130, captured or trapped (i e, inhibited or prevented) from passing with the remainder of the specimen to the waste receptacle 150. These captured microorganisms constitute a sample which may be used to evaluate for the presence of microbes in the specimen supply 140. Advantageously, the concentration of microorganisms in the sample may be substantially increased as compared to the concentration of the microorganisms in the specimen so that changes caused by microbial growth will be detected earlier and thereby more effectively. Preferably, substantially all of the specimen not captured in the filter 130 is drawn out of the chamber 112. Typically, the volume of the filtered specimen may be in the range of between about 100 milliliters and 10 liters.

With reference to FIG. 4, an optional wash step may be conducted. More particularly, a wash fluid supply 160 may be connected to the fitting 115 by suitable (preferably sterile) tubing 115. The wash fluid is drawn or directed sequentially through the inlet 116, the filter 130 and the outlet 118 and into the waste receptacle 150 by the vacuum source 154 (Block 193). The wash step may be used, for example, to wash preservatives or other microbe growth inhibitors from the container 110, the filter 130 and the captured sample. Suitable wash fluids may include, for example, growth media, buffered salt solutions, detergents or emulsifiers and are sterilized prior to introduction into the chamber 112.

Thereafter, and preferably after the wash fluid is drained from the chamber 112 (not shown in FIGS. 3-5), a supply 170 of culturing medium or broth is connected to the fitting 115 by suitable tubing 172 (FIG. 5). Preferably, the tubing 172 and the culturing medium are sterile. Preferably, the device 100 is inverted as shown in FIG. 5. Thereafter, the culturing medium is fed, for example, by gravity feed, from the supply 170, through the tubing 172, through the inlet 116 (FIG. 2) and into the chamber 112 (Block 194 of FIG. 8). The outlet 118 (FIG. 2) serves as a vent for the air in the chamber 112 displaced by the culturing medium. The culturing medium is preferably sterilized prior to introduction to the chamber 112. A one-way valve may be used to inhibit the entry of fluids or air as needed (not shown).

With reference to FIG. 6, a cap 175 (preferably a screw cap) may be placed over the fitting 117. A suitable clamp 174 is clamped over the tubing 172. The tubing 172 is then cut above the clamp 174 such that a portion 172A of the tubing 172 remains attached to the fitting 115. In this manner, the tubing 172A and the clamp 174 form a secure and sterile closure to the inlet 116. The device 100, the tubing 172A, the clamp 174, the contained culturing medium 171 and the captured microorganism sample together form a sample assembly 101 (FIG. 6). Other closure or sealing techniques can also be used such as adhesives, heat to close the tube, tie wraps and the like.

The sample assembly 101, or a plurality of sample assemblies 101, may then be placed in a suitable measuring apparatus 180 (Block 195 of FIG. 8). The measuring apparatus may be an automated apparatus as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,769 to DiGuiseppi et al. or as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,796 to DiGuiseppi et al., the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The sample assembly 101 may be inserted into a slot 184 in a platform 182 for evaluation by a detector assembly (generally designated 181). The detector assembly 181 includes a photo-emitter 186 and a photodetector 188, each of which is operatively connected to an analysis apparatus 189. The photo-emitter 186 directs light onto the sensor 120 and the light is reflected back to the photodetector 188. The analysis apparatus 189 evaluates signals from the photodetector, for example, in the manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,796. The microorganism analysis results can be automated and results generated without requiring human evaluation.

In the foregoing manner, the measuring apparatus 180 detects changes in the sensor 120 and thereby measures microbial growth in the chamber 112 (Block 196). For example, the measuring apparatus 180 may detect changes in the color or fluorescence of the sensor through the transparent end wall 114, such color or fluorescence changes being caused by pH changes, the generation of CO₂ and/or the consumption of O₂ in the chamber 112 from microbial growth. For example, the measuring apparatus 180 may include instruments as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/322,874, filed on Apr. 3, 1989 (now abandoned), and 07/351,476, filed on May 15, 1989 (now abandoned), U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,060 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,856,175, which are incorporated herein by reference. The apparatus 180 may include a visible light reflectometer that monitors the color change of the sensor. Solid state illuminators and detectors may be used. Incandescent and arc lamp sources of illumination may also be used in conjunction with mirrors, lenses, optical fibers, and other means of directing the light to the sensor. In order to allow continuous monitoring of all samples, it is preferred to have a detector for each sample. The outputs of the various detectors may be compiled by a computer, and curves characteristic of the quantity and rate of change of pH or CO₂ or O₂ concentration of various samples may be generated. The computer may also perform the necessary analysis to evaluate the characteristics developed and to determine the presence or absence of developing microbial cultures. The apparatus 180 and/or additional apparatus may heat and/or agitate the device 100 to incubate or otherwise promote growth of the sample microorganisms.

With reference to FIG. 9, an integrated filtration and detection device 200 according to further embodiments of the present invention is shown therein. The device 200 includes a container body 210 defining an interior chamber 212. The container body 210 has an end wall 214 and defines an opening 212A communicating with the chamber 212. Preferably, the end wall 214 is transparent.

An end cap 219 is disposed over the opening 212A. An O-ring 211, gasket, adhesive or other sealant may be used to provide a seal between the cap 219 and the container body 210. A second fitting 215 extends through the cap 219 and defines an inlet 216. A second fitting 217 extends through the cap 219 and defines an outlet 218.

A radial flow filter 230 is secured to the underside of the cap 219. Preferably, the filter 230 is a microporous filter. The filter 230 is preferably constructed and mounted such that substantially all fluid passing from the inlet 216 to the outlet 218 passes through the filter medium of the filter 230. A second filter 232 can be positioned between the filter 230 and the outlet 218. Preferably, the second filter 232 is also a microporous filter.

A sensor 220 may be secured to the end wall 214 (or other desired externally visible location). The sensor 220 may be any of the sensors and may be mounted in any of the ways as described above with regard to the sensor 120.

The device 200 may be used in substantially the same manner as the device 100 with connections being made with the fittings 215 and 217 in place of the fittings 115 and 117, respectively. It may be desirable to invert the device 100 during the steps of filtering the specimen and introducing the wash fluid. Tubing 272 corresponding to the tubing 172 may be cut and clamped or secured in the same manners described above to provide a secure and sterile closure. The filter 232 serves to prevent or inhibit entry of contaminants into the chamber 212 through the outlet 218. Additionally, a cap may be placed over the fitting 215 and/or the fitting 217. Also, either or both of the fittings 215, 217 may be provided with a one-way valve.

As a further alternative, the sensor 220 may be secured to or may be made part of the cap 219 (not shown). The cap or a section thereof may be transparent so that, in the case of a sensor of the type that changes color, the changes in the color of the sensor 220 may be evaluated through the end cap 219. The end cap 219 may be made of a material, such as a polymer, which contains encapsulated indicator micelles.

The sensors 120, 220 may be relocated in the container 110 or container body 210. In the case where color changing sensors are employed, each container should include at least a transparent (or translucent) section adjacent the sensor 120, 220. Alternatively, the sensors 120, 220 may each be formed (e.g., molded) as an integral part of the respective container 110 or container body 210. The sensors 120, 220 may also be placed outside the container, as long as sealed (from the environment) fluid communication means are provided for the metabolic products of the microorganisms or the growth medium containing the specimen to react with the sensor.

The foregoing devices 100, 200 and methods and variations thereof as described above provide a number of advantages. The sample may be collected, incubated and evaluated without breaking the sterility barrier. The devices and methods serve to combine certain steps of preparing a sample and detecting microbial growth in the sample. The devices and methods eliminate or reduce handling of various components, thereby providing enhanced convenience and greater security against inadvertent contamination during testing and evaluation. In particular, the sample, the filter, the sensor and adjacent interior portions of the container are protected from contamination, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of a false positive caused by microorganisms not introduced from the original specimen.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein. 

1. A method for collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing an integrated filtration and detection device including: a container including a side wall and a fixed end wall defining a chamber therein and having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein the end wall defines a continuous closed surface that is continuous with the side wall and free of openings, and wherein the container has a transparent section a filter for filtering fluids, the filter mounted in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet; and a sensor mounted in the chamber parallel to and against the end wall of the chamber, the sensor operative to exhibit a change in a measureable property thereof upon exposure to changes in the chamber due to microbial growth and wherein the sensor and the filter are disposed at opposed ends of the chamber; b) passing the specimen into the chamber through the inlet, through the filter and out of the chamber through the outlet to collect the microorganisms on filter; and thereafter c) detecting changes in the measurable property of the sensor through the transparent section.
 2. The method of claim 1 including the step of introducing a culturing method into the chamber following said step of passing the specimen.
 3. The method of claim 2 further including the step of passing a wash fluid into the chamber through the inlet, through the filter and out of the chamber through the outlet between said steps of passing the specimen and introducing a culturing medium into the chamber.
 4. The method of claim 1 including the step of placing the device in a slot of a measuring apparatus, the measuring apparatus being operable to detect the measurable property of the sensor.
 5. The method of claim 4 including the step of automatically and electronically evaluating the sensor using the measuring apparatus.
 6. The method of claim 1 including the step of incubating the microorganisms in the chamber.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein said sensor and said filter are retained in said chamber during and between said steps of passing the specimen and detecting the measureable property of the sensor.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the container is unitary and the inlet and the outlet are the only openings into the container communicating with the chamber.
 9. The method of claim 1 including placing the device in an operative testing orientation wherein the sensor resides at a lower end of the chamber and below the filter, wherein the step of detecting the measurable property of the sensor includes detecting the measurable property of the sensor while the device is in the operative testing position.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein, when the device is in the operative testing orientation, the inlet and the outlet are each located above the sensor.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein: the sensor is mounted in the chamber parallel to and against an end wall of the chamber; the container has a transparent section and changes in the measurable property of the sensor are detectable through the transparent section; the sensor and the filter are disposed at opposed ends of the chamber; the senor resides at a lower end of the chamber and below the filter; and the method further includes introducing a liquid culture medium into the chamber such that the liquid culturing medium is disposed in the lower end of the chamber and contacts the sensor in the lower end of the chamber.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the chamber is fully sealed during the step of detecting the measurable property of the sensor.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the filter is a microporous filter.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein the filter is a radial flow filter.
 15. The method of claim 1 wherein the sensor is responsive to at least one of a change in pH and the presence of CO₂.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein: the sensor is operative to change color in response to at least one of a change in pH and the presence of CO2 in the chamber; and the step of detectiong the measurable property of the sensor includes detecting a color of the sensor.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein: the container includes a transparent section; and the step of detection the measurable property of the sensor includes detecting the color of the sensor through the transparent section.
 18. The method of claim 1 wherein the sensor is bounded to the interior surface of the container.
 19. The method of claim 1 wherein the container includes: a container body having an end wall on which the sensor is mounted and an end opening opposite the end wall; and an end cap secured over and sealing the end opening; wherein the inlet and the outlet are formed in the end cap.
 20. A method for collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing an integrated filtration and detection device including: a container including a side wall defining a chamber therein and having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein the end wall is fixed and defines a continuous closed surface that is continuous with the wall and free of openings and the inlet and the outlet are each located above the sensor; a filter for filtering fluids, the filter mounted in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet; and a sensor mounted in the chamber, the sensor operative to exhibit a change in a measureable property thereof upon exposure to changes in the chamber due to microbial growth; b) passing the specimen into the chamber through the inlet, through the filter and out of the chamber through the outlet to collect the microorganisms on filter; and thereafter c) detecting the measurable property of the sensor. 